by Linda Laughter, Guest Blogger

We love to find a way to expand our trips when we visit family in Portland, Oregon. It is such a beautiful part of the country. This time we headed 2 ½ hours north on Interstate 5 to Olympia, then swung northwest on 101 to Hoodsport, WA. Hoodsport is located on Hood Canal, which is a natural fjord that sits between Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains in Mason County. An amazing place to get away from town and see an incredible view of the gray, green, and gorgeous outdoors and great food!

Our rented home gave us a full vista of the Canal, complete with waterfalls, mountains and seals that slept on the float out front. We were blessed with a sunny day, but when the clouds settle around you, there is much to do, should you choose.

We had lunch at an institution on the Canal,” Hama, Hama Oyster Saloon.” You eat outside in huts, and they serve the freshest oysters and sides. 

We ate at a fun place in Hoodsport, called the “Fjord Oyster Bank.”Where else can you get ice cream and oysters in one location? It was a former bank, and the “Vault” is filled with treasures from local vendors and information about local guides for fishing, hiking etc.

Across the street is the Hardware Distillery. This store offers a tasting room with handcrafted spirits made on site. We met the owner who was proud that all the ingredients he uses in his recipes, water, grains and honey are local to Washington. The tastes are generous so have a driver!

 “Hook and Fork”, an open-air eatery near Union was another great stop. We went on a grey morning, and watched as they cooked our breakfast in an outdoor kitchen. The menu with seasonal ingredients was amazing. 

One last mention on this great trip was a “bucket list” item I was able to complete…”ride in a helicopter!” We were able to take a sunset flight over Portland, OR. We took off from the top of a building downtown and got to see the iconic Portland Sign from the air! We flew over the Willamette and Columbia River basins seeing an incredible view. Always try to include a Bucket list item on your vacation, you won’t be sorry!

Linda is a retired interior designer who lives with her husband Don, in Cascade, MI. She loves enjoying her family, friends, art and travel.

Life is a blessing, enjoy.